Shafaat Zainal

Hairdresser — Singapore

01Profile

A Shafaat Zainal Photo

03Interview

Introduce yourself
I’m Shafaat Zainal a.k.a. Art Love. I’m currently a hair-cutter at The Panic Room.

Describe your style in 3 words?
Minimal and Functional.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
Timeless piece. When I was younger, owning a pair of Fred Perry amongst our group of friends symbolised freedom. Being part of a huge culture and being fashionable at the same time. A Fred Perry shirt always keeps you in check.

What is the first song you played on repeat?
'I’ll Be Missin’ You' by Puff Daddy. I was learning how to rap.

What is one record you would keep forever?
Amy Winehouse’s 'Back to Black'.

What is a song lyric that has inspired you?
"Born under a bad sign,
been down since I’ve
began to crawl.
If it wasn’t for bad luck,
I wouldn't have any luck at all."

What has been the best gig you've been to?
The Stoned Revivals. Still can’t believe that they are a local band.

Who is your ultimate British musical icon?
The Arctic Monkeys. Alex Turner is definitely the greatest lyricist of his time.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'You Don’t Know My Name' by Alicia Keys.

What inspires you?
Meeting people from different walks of life at work. Using my imagination to visualise the stories told inspires me to be driven in life. The instant gratification that I get from clients is just priceless.

04Playlist Notes

'Hellcat Spangled Shalala' by Arctic Monkeys.
Most Underrated Arctic Monkeys Song.

'Class A Love Affair' by The Great Spy Experiment.
The anthem to the Singapore music Scene.

'Gaut' by Fauxe.
I wonder what goes through his mind. Another class act from Singapore.

'Wanita' by Zamaera.
She slays, period.

'I Put A Spell On You' by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
Have you seen his live performances? He’s like a witch doctor brewing something funky.

'Fairground' by Simply Red.
This song was released on my 6th Birthday, thank you for the birthday gift, Simply Red.

'You Gotta Be' by Des’ree.
Another nostalgic number for me, love the music video even though I was too young to understand anything.

'Don't Dream It’s Over' by Crowded House.
Back when I was younger, they were using this song for holiday ads, it really is nostalgic for me.

'Youth Of Gold' by The Pinholes.
What is rock and roll, without The Pinholes?

'Hound Dog' by Big Mama Thornton.
Soulful would be an understatement for this number.

'(54-46) That's My Number' by Toots & The Maytals.
Grooviest jam ever, be it covering the song or just listening.

'Born Under A Bad Sign' by Albert King.
The blues has always intrigued me, how could something negative sound so good?

03Interview

Introduce yourself
I’m Shafaat Zainal a.k.a. Art Love. I’m currently a hair-cutter at The Panic Room.

Describe your style in 3 words?
Minimal and Functional.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
Timeless piece. When I was younger, owning a pair of Fred Perry amongst our group of friends symbolised freedom. Being part of a huge culture and being fashionable at the same time. A Fred Perry shirt always keeps you in check.

What is the first song you played on repeat?
'I’ll Be Missin’ You' by Puff Daddy. I was learning how to rap.

What is one record you would keep forever?
Amy Winehouse’s 'Back to Black'.

What is a song lyric that has inspired you?
"Born under a bad sign,
been down since I’ve
began to crawl.
If it wasn’t for bad luck,
I wouldn't have any luck at all."

What has been the best gig you've been to?
The Stoned Revivals. Still can’t believe that they are a local band.

Who is your ultimate British musical icon?
The Arctic Monkeys. Alex Turner is definitely the greatest lyricist of his time.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'You Don’t Know My Name' by Alicia Keys.

What inspires you?
Meeting people from different walks of life at work. Using my imagination to visualise the stories told inspires me to be driven in life. The instant gratification that I get from clients is just priceless.

04Playlist Notes

'Hellcat Spangled Shalala' by Arctic Monkeys.
Most Underrated Arctic Monkeys Song.

'Class A Love Affair' by The Great Spy Experiment.
The anthem to the Singapore music Scene.

'Gaut' by Fauxe.
I wonder what goes through his mind. Another class act from Singapore.

'Wanita' by Zamaera.
She slays, period.

'I Put A Spell On You' by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
Have you seen his live performances? He’s like a witch doctor brewing something funky.

'Fairground' by Simply Red.
This song was released on my 6th Birthday, thank you for the birthday gift, Simply Red.

'You Gotta Be' by Des’ree.
Another nostalgic number for me, love the music video even though I was too young to understand anything.

'Don't Dream It’s Over' by Crowded House.
Back when I was younger, they were using this song for holiday ads, it really is nostalgic for me.

'Youth Of Gold' by The Pinholes.
What is rock and roll, without The Pinholes?

'Hound Dog' by Big Mama Thornton.
Soulful would be an understatement for this number.

'(54-46) That's My Number' by Toots & The Maytals.
Grooviest jam ever, be it covering the song or just listening.

'Born Under A Bad Sign' by Albert King.
The blues has always intrigued me, how could something negative sound so good?